Leading suppliers take the initiative to promote Best Practice Guidelines

By Richard Siddle

Published: 16 October, 2014

Leading suppliers to the independent merchant sector are working with Harpers to promote the steps they are taking to improve their level of service and offer to independent retailers across the country.

The move follows Harpers re-launch of the Best Practice Guidelines at an open London debate last week between independents and suppliers to assess further how the two sides can work more effectively together. The Guidelines were set up in the autumn of 2011 to provide a set of principles for suppliers to sign up to and follow and show their support for the independent merchant sector.

To date 19 key suppliers to the independent merchant sector have signed up to the Guidelines. The vast majority of those suppliers attended last week's debate where they were able to set out the kind of steps and changes they have made in their own businesses to ensure they are offering as open and fair service to independents as they can.

Laurie Webster of Las Bodegas spoke for many when he said the Guidelines were "not rocket science" but "just good business practice". He added: "As far as the guidelines go, we have always done this. This is not new."

Nicky Burston of World Wine Agencies, said following the Guidelines was "easy to do". "I think anyone who wants to be in this sector needs to sign up." She added: "Since signing up we have had more customers open their doors to us."

To help promote and drive the Best Practice Guidelines Harpers has also relaunched the dedication section about the Guidelines on Harpers.co.uk which not only sets out which companies have signed up and why, but also explains how other companies can also sign up.

Over the coming weeks Harpers will be working with those suppliers that are following the Guidelines on dedicated activity to help them work closer with independents.

Pledge your support

Harpers is encouraging both participating suppliers and independents to pledge their support to the Guidelines by using the main Best Practice Guidelines logos on their websites, wine lists and at trade tastings.

Harpers has also produced a Supporter of the Best Practice Guidelines logo, pin badges and stickers for both independents and suppliers to use to show their personal commitment to the Guidelines.

If you would like to use the Best Practice Guidelines and "Supporter" logos, stickers and badges or receive more information about the initiative then please contact Richard Siddle on richard.siddle@wrbm.com.

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